Confused about common leather needles

koli.gates

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Sep 21, 2025
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A lot of sellers list what looks like the same basic common leather needle, but there seems to be different names, different wording, sometimes even slightly different specs.
So are these actually the same needles just being marketed differently, or are there small differences one should be paying attention to? because it gets a little overwhelming trying to figure out which ones are truly interchangeable lot. Or is there like any thing like a needle dictionary or guide or something?
 
I felt the same when I started leathercraft last year! So many needle choices, it's overwhelming! For small stuff like wallets, I use size 2 harness needles with Ritza 25 thread. It's easy to work with and strong. Blunt needles are better for saddle stitching since they don't split the thread.

I always keep a few extra needles in case one bends. Harness needles are great for beginners. Once you get used to stitching, you can try other types.
 
I always use John James #3 harness needles and hand waxed 2 or 3 cord pure linen thread. I can stitch with those needles down to 10 spi.
 
The needles I use the most for hand sewing are from Tandy Leather, they are # 1911-11 glover's needle. they will do about 99% of all hand stiching, except saddles.
I tried ordering needles buy #s from other suppliers, but always end up with needles that are too small to sew anything. I find needle #s are real confusing. Seems like all retailers have a different # system.
Try some of the Tandy 1911-11s, you might like them.

Dave
 
Glovers needles have a pointed end which for someone learning to hand sew can present problems. I rarely use a glovers needle personally and I make wallets, bags, belts, holsters mostly. The only time I used glovers needles in recent memory was making a pair of leather breeches.

But to each his own
 
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